Former Lanesborough Arms Hotel

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A symmetrical three-storey/ three bay former hotel aligned roughly N-S along the W side of High Street.

Pitched natural slate roof with three tall yellow brick chimneys – one to left gable, one between middle and right bays and the other set to middle of right bay. Advanced stone eaves course carries half-round metal rainwater goods.

Principal elevation faces E. Walls are of coursed limestone rubble with brick dressings to windows. To centre is a portico supported on two stone Doric columns with moulded bases and heads with ashlar stone piers engaged to façade. Entablature consists of moulded cornice and plain frieze with applied lettering reading “LANESBOROUGH ARMS”, leaded roof. The soffit is t+g sheeted. Entrance door is four-panelled timber with beaded mutin; over is a geometric glazed transom with central octagonal lantern.

To either side of portico are two 6/6 sliding sash windows with horns and stone cills – all set within stepped brick reveals. Aligned above windows and central door to upper floors are similar windows – those to second floor are diminished in height 3/6 sashes.

Left gable is abutted by a lower two-storey building (HB12/02/020); the exposed section is cement rendered and blank.

Rear elevation is has a sliding sash window to each upper floor of right and left bays; second floor windows are 6/6 sashes with 3/6 sashes to third floor. The middle bay has a stairwell 3/6 sliding sash window between each floor. Ground floor was not inspected.

Right gable is abutted by former Market House (HB12/02/022).

Historical information

A building is cited at this location in the 1836 Valuation book and shown on the Valuation map of the same date. It then belonged to Philip Reilly and is described as a house measuring 41ft6in x 26ft6in x 13ft, with a kitchen return measuring 13ft6in x 7ft x 6ft. According to the 1860 Valuation book, it still belonged to Mr Reilly but is now described as a hotel - "plain not well finished. Its measurements are now 36ft x 30ft x 3 storeys, with two returns (one 18ft x 24ft x 3 storeys, the other similar but only one storey high); there is also an adjoining shop 27ft square x 2 storeys high [this is HB12/02/020]. Comparison of these statistics shows the premises to have been rebuilt in the mid 19th century.

Primary sources:
1. First Valuation town map, c.1836 (PRONI VAL 1D/4/4, plot 60).
2. First Valuation book, 1836 (PRONI VAL 1B/411A, p.213).
3. Second Valuation town map, c.1860 (PRONI VAL 2D/4/8, plot 42).
4. Second Valuation book, Galloon Parish, Clones Union, 1860 (VAL 2B/4/7F, p.11).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
H-. Alterations detracting from building

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance
X. Local Interest

Evaluation

A well-proportioned and symmetrical former hotel with central portico. One of only a few exposed stone buildings in the village; it retains some of its original external character. Although the building has been refurbished internally, some original features remain such as window linings and stairs.